Aston Villa travel to Everton today and both clubs didn’t bring in any new players in yesterdays transfer deadline day. Despite that both teams have brought in two new players. Everton signing McGeady and Troare on loan from Monaco. Meanwhile Villa brought in Ryan Bertrand and Grant Holt on loan. Everton may have done the better business signing more calibre players, but it’s Aston Villa who have the better League form as of late. Everton tied against West Brom a fortnight ago and most recently lost to Liverpool 4-0. They’ve also lost a few of their best players through injury, Lukaku, Oviedo and Coleman are all out injured.
Aston Villa’s form has been mainly down to a change of formation, Lambert has outed to played a 4-3-1-2 formation with Weimann or Bacuna playing the centre-forward/attacking midfielder role. With Villa failing to attract an attacking midfielder to Villa, Bacuna and Weimann may be the players to fill that role.
Gareth Barry may play against his former club today. Barry made over 365 appearances for Aston Villa from 1998 to 2009 scoring 41 goals. In 2009 he moved to Manchester City for a transfer fee of £12 million.
Team News:
This might be the perfect time to face Everton. Romelu Lukaku is ruled out following an injury sustained against Liverpool last Tuesday. On-loan forward Lacina Traore is still 10 days away from being fit. Everton will also be without two key defenders, Seamus Coleman, Sylvian Distin are all ruled out with a hamstring injury. While Gerard Deulofeu is also out with a hamstring injury.
Aston Villa’s only fitness concern is Gabby Agbonlahor who sustained a foot injury against Liverpool. He will be given a late fitness test.
Match Facts:
– Everton have lost just one of their last 20 Barclays Premier League games at Goodison Park (W14 D5 L1).
– In Aston Villa’s last 10 Barclays Premier League away games they have either conceded exactly two goals (six times) or kept a clean sheet.
-Aston Villa have lost none of the last seven Premier League visits to Goodison Park (W2 D5) but the last four in a row have been draws.
-Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored seven Premier League goals against Everton, more than he has managed against any other opponent in the competition.
-Everton are looking for their 300th Premier League win, something Aston Villa achieved in midweek against West Brom.
Predicted Lineups:
Howard
Stones-Jagielka-Alcaraz-Baines
McCarthy-Barry
McGeady-Barkley-Osman
Mirallas
Benteke-Weimann
Bacuna
Delph-Westwood-El Ahmadi
Bertrand-Clark-Vlaar-Lowton
Guzan
Match Prediction:
Everton 1-1 Aston Villa
I think Aston Villa could nick a draw today. Everton haven’t been playing to well, I’ve watched their last recent games and they’re missing Coleman a lot. Everton’s defence also stands out because it’s not nearly as strong as it has been all season. Alcaraz was torn apart by Sturridge. I reckon Villa would have a greater chance of a victory if Agbonlahor was partnered with Benteke because the defence wouldn’t be able to deal with that. Weimann and Mirallas to scored. But for some reason, I don’t think this game will be too entertaining.
